7 Best Thermostat Settings in Winter to Save Money

Finding the best temperature to set thermostat in winter to save money is essential for homeowners aiming to lower energy bills while staying warm. With heating costs often accounting for a large portion of winter utility expenses, making a few smart thermostat adjustments can lead to real savings. Homeowners in Eustis, FL, can especially benefit from these strategies, where winter mornings can still require interior heating and higher energy bills are common without proper energy efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• How thermostat settings influence comfort and savings
• The ideal winter thermostat temperature range
• Smart tips for daytime, nighttime, and away-from-home adjustments
• Tools and strategies to reduce heating costs
• How Bob’s AC can help optimize your HVAC system

Why Thermostat Settings Matter for Winter Energy Savings

Your thermostat plays a major role in how much you pay to heat your home. Even small changes can significantly lower your monthly utility bills. Let’s take a closer look at how proper thermostat use impacts your comfort and your wallet.

• Energy Usage: Heating can make up nearly 50% of winter energy bills.
• Cost Control: Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can shave off 10% or more.
• Equipment Health: Efficient settings reduce wear and tear on your heating system and heat pump.
• Comfort Balance: The right setting keeps your space warm without overheating or energy waste.

7 Steps to the Best Thermostat Setting in Winter to Save Money

Adjusting your thermostat is simple, but doing it strategically requires a bit of planning. These seven steps will help you make smarter heating choices that boost efficiency and save money throughout the season.

1. Set Daytime Temperature Between 68°F and 70°F

During waking hours, aim for a temperature that balances comfort with cost-efficiency. The Department of Energy suggests 68°F as the sweet spot for most homes.

• Comfortable warmth: Keeps you cozy without excess heating.
• Recommended standard: 68°F is considered the ideal temperature when you’re home and awake.

2. Lower the Temperature When You’re Away or Asleep

You don’t need to keep your house as warm when you’re not around or are sleeping. Lowering it slightly helps cut down on unnecessary heating.

• Evening savings: Dropping the temperature 7–10 degrees while you sleep can cut heating costs by up to 15%.
• Safe minimum: Set to 60°F overnight, or 55°F if you’re away during the day.

3. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

These devices automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule, which helps maintain comfort without wasting energy.

• Automation: Pre-set temperature changes reduce human error.
• Remote control: Adjust from your phone for convenience and savings. Programmable thermostats are great for maintaining a consistent temperature without manual adjustments.

4. Avoid Drastic Fluctuations

Rapid temperature changes can overwork your HVAC system, making it less efficient. Instead, increase or decrease the heat gradually.

• Gradual changes: Prevents overworking your system when raising the temperature.
• Stability: Maintains a consistent temperature throughout the day.

5. Insulate and Seal Air Leaks

Heat escapes through gaps and poorly insulated areas. Before blaming your thermostat, check your home for drafty trouble spots.

• Weatherproofing: Install door sweeps and seal window frames.
• Curtains: Thermal curtains help trap heat inside, especially on walls and windows that aren’t interior walls.

6. Leverage Natural Sunlight

The sun is a free source of heat. Make the most of it during the daytime to warm your home naturally.

• Daytime warmth: Open south-facing window coverings when the sun is out.
• Heat retention: Close them before sunset to hold in warmth.

7. Maintain Your Heating System

A properly maintained HVAC system runs better and uses less energy. Regular check-ups keep everything running smoothly.

• Annual tune-ups: Ensure your system runs efficiently all season.
• Filter checks: Change filters every 1–3 months for optimal heating and cooling performance.

Extra Ways to Stretch Your Heating Budget

In addition to thermostat strategies, small lifestyle adjustments can help you stay warm without driving up energy costs. These low-effort tips can make a big difference.

• Layered clothing: Wear sweaters and warm socks to reduce the urge to adjust the thermostat.
• Ceiling fans: Reverse to clockwise to circulate warm air.
• Zone heating: Close vents in unused rooms to direct heat where it’s needed.
• Add humidity: Moist air feels warmer and retains heat better, increasing overall energy efficiency.

Smart Thermostat Comparison Table

Choosing the right thermostat makes it easier to follow energy-saving practices. Here’s how different types stack up.

Thermostat Type	Key Features	Best For
Manual	Simple dial or digital controls	Fixed schedules
Programmable	Set temperatures by time of day/week	Routine daily use
Smart	Remote control, learning algorithms	Tech-savvy or busy households

Frequently Asked Questions

Winter thermostat settings can bring up a lot of uncertainty. From how low you can go without risking your pipes, to whether smart thermostats are worth the investment, here are answers to the most common questions homeowners ask.

• What temperature should I keep my house at during winter for savings? Most experts recommend setting it at 68°F while you’re home, and dropping it to 60–62°F at night or when you’re away.
• Is it really effective to turn the thermostat down at night? Yes, lowering it by 7–10 degrees for 8 hours can reduce heating bills by as much as 10–15% annually.
• Should I turn off the heat completely when I leave for vacation? No. Set it around 55°F to prevent pipe freezing while still saving on energy.
• Do smart thermostats really make a difference? Absolutely. They automate energy-saving practices and adapt to your schedule for optimal efficiency.

Stay Warm and Save with Bob’s AC Heating Solutions

If you’re ready to boost your winter energy savings, Bob’s AC can help you implement efficient thermostat settings and maintain a healthy heating system. We provide reliable HVAC maintenance and guidance tailored to your space and needs.

Whether you’re managing a single-family home or a multi-unit property, our experienced technicians can help you maximize comfort while keeping utility costs in check. We’re proud to serve home and business owners in Eustis, FL, and nearby communities with smart thermostat strategies, energy-efficient solutions, and more. Contact Bob’s AC today to find out how you can stay warm and save big this winter.